8th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dear Parishioners,

With Mardi Gras Day on Tuesday, we know that the following day is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten Season. Lent is a forty (40) day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. It is a period of preparation to celebrate the Lord’s Resurrection at Easter. During Lent, we seek the Lord in prayer by reading Sacred Scripture; we serve by giving alms; and we practice self-control through fasting. We are called not only to abstain from luxuries during Lent, but to a true inner conversion of heart as we seek to follow Christ’s will more faithfully. We recall the waters of baptism in which we were baptized into Christ’s death, died to sin and evil, and began new life in Christ.

Many know of the tradition of abstaining from meat on Friday during Lent, but we are also called to practice self-discipline and fast in other ways throughout the season. Contemplate the meaning and origins of the Lenten tradition in this reflection. In addition, the giving of alms is one way to share God’s gifts—not only through the distribution of money, but through the sharing of our time and talents.

Wednesday, March 2nd is Ash Wednesday. Mass with the distribution of ashes will be at 6:30 A.M. and 7:00 P.M. A Liturgy of the Word Prayer Service with the distribution of ashes will be at 12:10 P.M.

Have a Blessed Week and Happy Mardi Gras!